Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)

HAE is an effective, non-surgical treatment for grades 1-3 internal hemorrhoids that are chronic in nature. The success rate of this procedure is greater than 90%.1

A hemorrhoid is actually a swollen vein in the anus or lower rectum. The HAE procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a specially trained doctor who uses imaging to guide the treatment from inside the body’s vascular system. A catheter is advanced to the hemorrhoid and special coils are inserted, which block the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.

HAE is performed on an outpatient basis by the experienced doctors at VISA. There is no cutting, no general anesthesia and you are able to return home the same day and resume most normal activities.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)

The HAE Procedure

  1. After numbing the skin, the interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter through the skin in the wrist or thigh.
  2. Using imaging to guide the procedure, the doctor advances the catheter into the hemorrhoid.
  3. Tiny coils and released into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and symptoms to disappear.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please call 205-905-8411.

  1. Sandeep Bagla, MD et al. Outcomes of Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization from a Multidisciplinary Outpatient Interventional Center. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. February 1, 2023.

For more information about hemorrhoidal artery embolization offered by the physicians of VISA, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.